Vandoren ZZ

02-03-2003, 03:36 PM

I just received this email reply from Vandoren, regarding the new ZZ sax reeds. I had asked about the cut of the reeds, and their availability in stores:

"Thank you for your message regarding the ZZ reeds. It is actually in between the Java and V16 cuts. It seems to last longer and has a great sound and response.

We introduced these reeds a few weeks ago and dealers have begun placing orders for the reeds. They are now available and you should start seeing them in stores."

Subtone Sam · 02-03-2003, 05:16 PM

zzzzz....

02-03-2003, 05:25 PM

that's kinda what I thought about the name, too...

BobD · 02-03-2003, 07:33 PM

I've been playing the ZZ's on tenor and I like them. I really like the V16's too.

TerryD · 02-04-2003, 02:59 AM

I've heard good things about the zz reeds indirectly, but I'm wondering where they fall on the strength charts. Are they about the same as javas? What is the sound like..ie.... deep, edgy, etc. How do they play...are they long lasting as they claim? Thanks for the info.

Tsax · 02-04-2003, 08:44 AM

I am very interested in the ZZ as well. I favor the Java, and I am somewhere in between the 3 or 3,5. On the old forum I read they play somewhat softer than Java's. Does anyone know if that is the case?
I think I will order a box, or maybe the store here will carry them and I will be able to try two of each size. I was thinking that maybe - for strategy reasons - the ZZ will be more consistent than the Java's (because the company still has to win us for their new reed).

dolphy · 02-04-2003, 10:29 AM

My experience has been they play somewhat softer than Javas. I work at a music store and we were comped some tenor ZZ's at the NAMM show.

Tsax · 02-04-2003, 12:07 PM

Thanks dolphy, in that case I'll probably will be better of with the 3,5.

Tears June · 03-01-2003, 05:37 PM

I would say Java is more softer than ZZ. I'm using Java 2.5 alto and just brought a box of 2.5 ZZ to compare. Definitely ZZ is more hard, or it has much more resistant than Java, not as free blowing feel as Java.

sinkdraiN · 03-01-2003, 08:12 PM

I tried both the alto and tenor ZZ #3 Both boxes played nice. I still prefer Javas on my Morgan alto mouthpiece. However, the ZZs played extremely well on my V16 tenor mouthpiece. The V16 mouthpiece with the ZZ reed played big and full up top and had the best low note response of any reed I have played on tenor. The low notes pop right out with a huge full sound. I now play ZZs on tenor.

Also, all 5 reeds played great right out of the box. I used to play V16s and I'd be lucky to get 2 reeds that played from a box of 5.

woodwindmaster06 · 03-17-2003, 11:17 PM

"There is a new reed that we just introduced, the ZZ reeds. It is a new jazz reed that is somewhere between the Java and V16 reeds in terms of cut. It has an immediate response, very colorful tone and seems to last long. They are currently available for alto and tenor sax and in June they will introduce the Bari sax reeds in this cut. No plans for Java bari reeds at this point." Vandoren- BARI REEDS COME OUT IN JUNE!!!

BigDaddyJ · 03-18-2003, 06:02 PM

Just got a couple of boxes of these reeds in 3 and 3 1/2 for tenor. I really like these reeds. They have everything I liked about a good V16 reed, but more so of those attributes. Consistency blows me away so far. I would use every one I've tried so far in a gig. I think they are slightly softer than V16s.

Bnatural · 03-31-2003, 03:48 AM

i just picked up a box today and i thought on alto the bottom register was none existent...... up high it was pretty nice.... maybe with some work they will work out for me

Joseph Boucher · 03-31-2003, 05:33 AM

Vandoren now has four types of reeds. The Traditionals, Java, Jazz, and now ZZ. Is Vandoren planning on dropping one of these types in the future? That's if the ZZ really takes off. Joe.

Toni Linder · 03-31-2003, 09:00 AM

I tried to buy Vandoren ZZ here in Switzerland. No way - at least not before summer, I was told. I don't understand their marketing policy.

Goin4DaTone · 04-02-2003, 07:56 PM

I have been using Java 2 1/2's on alto. I bought 2 boxes of the 2 1/2 ZZ's, and I agree with Tears June. The ZZ's are harder and have more resistance than the Javas 2 1/2 on alto.

HandaMan · 04-03-2003, 01:03 AM

I just got a new box of ZZ's and I think they are fantastic! The Javas were okay, but I barely got two good reeds out a box of 10. I might have broken them in wrong. These ZZ's sound sweet and bright. Sound great with an SR LEgend alto.

HandaMan · 04-03-2003, 01:03 AM

I use 3's btw

sjabariiii · 04-03-2003, 08:06 AM

Where can I order the ZZs for tenor? WWBW seems to not have any.

sinkdraiN · 04-03-2003, 07:49 PM

I bought mine from discountreeds.com they had a great price and it only took 2 days for the reeds to arrive. If that link doesnt work try discountreed.com